411homerepair.com

DIY – Could Do Better?

by Lorena Benchis on Jan 20, 2012

I know that this article is going to sound like your Mum or Dad telling you off for not getting a good school report, but I’ll risk it. Even experienced DIY-ers know that in some areas they “could do better”. Avoid an F for Fail, by taking note of these tips from the professionals.

Give yourself plenty of time, in the planning and carrying out of the task you’ve set yourself. Don’t expect to get three-cabin beds up in a couple of hours. Get everything ready beforehand and work out in which order you have to do each part of the job. Use a tape measure and a spirit level, not your best estimate.

Pace yourself. Don’t get too ambitious and decide to do a really complex project if you’re a beginner. It's recommended to not attempt this if you’ve not yet put up a shelf. Sure, it may seem more glamorous, but the chances are you’ll be feeling differently after a couple of weekends spent getting nowhere fast and sleeping on the sofa. Online videos on how-to websites can be really good sources of information, and may well be easier to learn from than trying to work out instructions from a DIY manual.

The same goes for tools: get the best you can afford for the job. In particular, you need a cordless drill and screwdriver. This makes every task quicker and easier; there’s nothing more demoralizing than screwing everything in by hand. Don’t go for the cheapest paint, varnish, or brushes. Budget-priced brushes have fewer bristles, which make an untidy finish, and they molt more than a mid-range brush, so you will be constantly picking bristles out of the paintwork. Buy decent screws. Cheap screws make every job more difficult. Start with these basic tips and you’ll soon have a finished DIY project to be proud of.

Latest Articles

How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath​?

Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...

on Apr 8, 2025

10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget

A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...

on Mar 25, 2025

Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas

Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...

on Mar 7, 2025

Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...

on Feb 18, 2025

Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan

When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...

on Jan 12, 2025

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Do It Yourself or Hire a Landscape Professional?

If you're a prime candidate for creating and installing your own landscape, gather all the knowledge you can, understand the processes and...

Hire Contractors / Estimates

The Advantages of Owning Front Load Washers

Front-load washers are washing machines that do a superb job of cleaning clothing and saving you money. Front-load washers have several components...

Appliance / Repair

6 Ways to Enforce an Effective Pest Management Plan

For healthy and better living, it is important to have your home or office space pest controlled from time to time. Here are a few things you can...

Pest Management / Ecology

Removing Spots and Scratches from Wood Floors

Black heel marks and other stubborn spots can often be removed by rubbing gently with fine steel wool and the solvent-based wax used on the floor....

Painting / Wallpaper

How to Sell Your House Fast

You Have probably been wondering how can you sell your house fast. Maybe you have a property that you need to sell a house fast owing to financial...

Real Estate / Finance

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2025